| Foreward (by Rose Freeman) | 1 |
| Preface | 3 |
| Chapter 1: In The Beginning | 7 |
| Chapter 2: In Context | 12 |
| The Real World: Five-O and Society | 17 |
| The "Reel" World: Five-O and the Police-Detective Genre | 17 |
| Episode Guide | |
| The Pilot Movie | 25 |
| Regular Cast, 1968-80 | 32 |
| First Season | 33 |
| Second Season | 52 |
| Third Season | 73 |
| Fourth Season | 90 |
| Fifth Season | 108 |
| Sixth Season | 128 |
| Seventh Season | 147 |
| Eighth Season | 167 |
| Ninth Season | 185 |
| Tenth Season | 203 |
| Eleventh Season | 221 |
| Twelfth Season | 236 |
| Chapter 3: The Series in Retrospect | |
| The Secrets of Success | 253 |
| McGarrett's Car | 254 |
| Food in Five-O | 256 |
| Eluding the Censors | 257 |
| The Economics of Filming in Hawaii | 258 |
| Villains and Victims: Myth and Fact | 259 |
| Appendix A: Collectibles and a Cultural Icon | 263 |
| Appendix B: Glossary of Hawaiian Words and Phrases Used in Hawaii Five-O | 267 |
| Appendix C: Episodes in Order of Filming | 275 |
| Index | 283 |
Twenty-Four Karat Kill (#6)
Original Air Date: 11/14/68; production no. 0205;
written by David P. Harmon; directed by Alvin Ganzer; music by Morton
Stevens.
Guest Stars: Kaz Garas (Johnny Fargo), Marj
Dusay (Andre Claire DuPres), Paul Richards (Paul Dennison), Richard Denning
(Philip Grey), Newell Tarrant (Doc), Lorna Ho (Mei-Ling Wan), Richard Loo
(Wong Tuo), Douglas Cho (Stickman), Mark LeBuse (Al), Eddie Sherman
(Detective), Jerry Tarutani (Dr. Keshu), Carolyn Dark (Baby), James Arakaki
(Walter).
Opening with a visually interesting look at the
crowded fish market, this episode takes a routine day and turns it fatally
unique. The murder of the young mother is done discreetly, but the visual
images, especially of the baby crying, still hit hard.
The plot is standard, rescued by the interesting
use of tuna fish as the means of smuggling gold. Beautiful scenery engages
the eye, and the music engages the ear especailly when it incorporates the
chugging boat engine into the beat in one scene.
This episode emphasizes a characteristic of
Hawaii Five-O: actors returned in many different roles. This practice,
in the case of "Twenty-Four Karat Kill," has caused confusion in reference
books. Richard Denning, who had a regualr role as the Governor of Hawaii,
here plays Treasury Agent Philip Grey. The governor's name was never
mentioned until episode #208, "A Capitol Crime," where Barnard Hughes's
character demands to speak to "Governor Paul Jameson." But later, in
"Tread the King's Shadow" (#226), James B. Sikking's character refers to his
friend the governor as "Phil." Writers who have compiled trivia on the show
use the name Philip Grey for the governor, though that name clearly belongs
to the treasury agent in this episode. There is another subtle clue to the
governor's name. In "The Ninety-Second War" (#88-89), McGarrett, the governor,
and military brass are in a secret meeting with Jonathan Kaye. The governor's
nameplate bears the name Paul Jameson. The source of this error may lie in
the advance publicity sent out by CBS. In the cast listing on the publicity
sheet for this episode, Richard Denning is shown as playing the governor, not
Treasury Agent Grey.
This episode contains one of the most delightful
visual continuity errors of the season. In a stock clip from the pilot movie,
McGarrett comes running down the exterior steps of the Iolani Palace in a
light blue suit and jumps into a two-door black Mercury. He arrives at the
crime scene wearing a dark suit and driving a four-door car.
Blind Tiger (#38)
Original Air Date: 12/31/69; production no. 0265;
teleplay by Jerome Coopersmith; story by William Robert Yates and Jerome
Coopersmith; directed by Abner Biberman; music by Harry Geller.
Guest Stars: Marion Ross (Edith Lovallo), Robert
Edwards (Masterson), Bob Gleason (Dr. Rackman), Suzan Carney (Nurse Feinberg),
Remi Abellira (Poto), Bunny Kahanamoku (Sam Lee), Tom Fujiwara (Emergency
Room Doctor), Alan Naluai (Jimmy).
This episode follows two paths: Dan Williams's
search for the man who put a bomb in Steve's car, and McGarrett's struggle
for autonomy as he tries to deal with an abrupt and devastating disability.
The two plot threads are linked by the bomber: at the same time he is being
hunted by Five-O, he is at the hospital stalking McGarrett.
It is a difficult battle for a man as
independant as Steve McGarrett to cope with a sudden severe limitation. In
this character study -- a favorite among McGarrett fans -- Steve is a
difficult patient, as one would expect. The nurse assigned to his case
forces him to face his limitations in a newly savage world filled with
obstacles. This relationship is complicated by the nurse's feelings for
McGarrett, which she spends the hour battling. Marion Ross handles the role
well, expressing her feelings in small nuances which keep this aspect of the
tale from being maudlin.
Some of McGarrett's negative traits --
stubbornness, impatience, arrogance -- show up. The governor has to lay down
the law to the uncooperative McGarrett, telling him to participate in his
medical treatment. Steve is pragmatic enough, despite his flaws, to capitulate
when he realizes he has no choice.
Over Fifty? Steal (#59)
Original Air Date: 11/25/70; production no. 0309;
written by E. Arthur Kean; directed by Bob Sweeney; music by Morton Stevens.
Guest Stars: Hume Cronyn (Lewis Avery Filer), Galen
Kam (Mr. Kam), Donna Benz Goodley (Margie), John Hunt (Wally Emerson),
Robin Claire Mann (Mrs. Carey), Les Keiter (Perstin Franklin), Emmett Rose
(Emmett), Bob Jones (Driggs).
From the engaging teaser to the inevitable arrest
at the end, Lewis Avery Filer leads the Five-O team on a merry chase in one
of the cleverst and funniest episodes of the series. Filer brazenly encounters
McGarrett in a number of disguises, and gives Dan Williams a run for his
money in a delightful pursuit.
Filer's civilized treatment of his victims buys
the viewer's sympathy. His audacity is engaging. Throughout the hour, Hume
Cronyn, master of the American stage who had no qualms about appearing in
series television, plays his part with energy and elan, giving us one of the
most wonderful character portrayals in Hawaii Five-O. There is an
undercurrent of sadness in Filer's motives, mentioned by a psychiatrist
consulted by McGarrett for a psychological profile, and underscored in
information dug up by Chin Ho. The episode makes a point about age
discrimination.
Morton Stevens' whimsical Filer theme is clearly
identifiable. An auto chase with Dan and Filer is accompanied by sprightly
music that combines variations on the Filer theme with variations on the
Five-O theme. The contrapuntal arrangement is some of the best comic
car-chase music ever composed and once again proves the adaptability of
Stevens' most recognized theme.
Film Editor Arthur David Hilton gained an Emmy
nomination for "Outstanding Achievement in Film Editing for Entertainment
Programming for a Series or a Single Program in a Series" for this episode.
(Couldn't they give these award categories shorter titles?)
For the second time in the series (the first is
"Which Way Did They Go?" [#37]), McGarrett is skewered in an editorial
cartoon.
Trivia: The governor wears glasses.
A Matter of Mutual Concern (#83)
Original Air Date: 11/30/71; production no. 0368;
written by Alvin Sapinsley; directed by Ron Winston; music by Richard
Shores.
Guest Stars: David Opatoshu (Li Wing), Marc
Marno (Kim Lo Lang), Manu Tupou (Tasi), Seth Sakai (Jack Afuso), Michael
Leong (Lai Po), Nick Nickolas (Jake Hirsch), Harold Kim Han (Policeman).
"Are those lizard shoes he wears or does he go
barefoot?" Kono asks rhetorically as Tasi, the bigoted Samoan hood, leaves
McGarrett's office after being questioned in the murder of a Miami hoodlum
whose corpse has been mutilated. It's the best line in the episode. This is
a straightforward tale of mob rivalry, a standard plot in police fiction.
Also part of the mix are the falling out among thieves and a betrayal.
Dialogue is stiffly delivered at times, usually
when the gangsters are squabbling among themselves. David Opatoshu can
deliver his lines well at times, too. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said
for Marc Marno and Seth Sakai. Michael Leong is also stiff at times, but
he redeems himself with a wonderful deadpan glare.
The directing is sometimes heavy-handed. Using
a circular masking effect to bring the viewer's attention to a second
victim's left hand beats us over the head with the amputated pinkie shtick.
Tasi's unsavory bigotry, a device to make the audience feel antipathy toward
him, is overdone, and the character comes off as one-dimensional.
Pig in a Blanket (#100)
Original Air Date: 10/3/72; production no.0404;
written by Bill Stratton; directed by Marvin Chomsky; music by Don B. Ray.
Guest Stars: John Rubinstein (Harold Klein), Louise
Latham (Mrs. Klein), Dennis Redfield (Culpepper), James Simpson (Ricky
Klein), Frank Atienza (Chinough Olena), Seth Sakai (Dr. Natanoa), Elissa
Fontes (Rona Olena), Lynne Kimoto (Nurse Tofu), Tuulikki Gottschalk (Nurse
Brickford), Robert Luck (Jack), Edward Schonk (Bartender), Howard Gottschalk
(Aaron), Richard Villard (Gene), George Groves (Tad), Bernard Ching (HPD
Officer).
James MacArthur tugs the viewer's heart as he
deals with grief and self-doubt over the death of his friend and his
subsequent mistaken shooting of a young boy. Gritty realism permeates this
episode, from the well-done hospital sequence as the doctors and staff work
on the dying police officer to the chase through dark night streets and
the wounding of the boy. In one night, Dan Williams sees his friend die and
his career fall apart because of an error in judgement. This is the
second time his career has been in jeopardy over the shooting of a
youngster; fate seems to have it in for Danno. Even with its similarities to
"And They Painted Daises on His Coffin" (#5), this story holds up on its
own.
In this full-bodied episode which holds much
emotional content, we see Steve McGarrett's fierce loyalty as well as his
toughness and compassion. He refuses to believe Dan acted with malice.
While Dan doubts his own actions and gives up on himself, McGarrett remains
firm in his faith in his friend.
We also get a rare look at Ben Kokua in an off-duty
moment as he sits with Dan, trying to comfort him.
The Jinn Who Clears the Way (#101)
Original Air Date: 10/10/72; production no. 0416;
written by John D. F. Black; directed by Harry Falk; music by Don B. Ray.
Guest Stars: Khigh Dhiegh (Wo Fat), Joe
Sirola (Jonathan Kaye) Soon-Taik Oh (Tom Wong), Daniel Kamekona (Chu Sing
"Carl" Tu), Robert Nelson (Assassin I [Chow Lee Chong]), Bob Witthans
(Commander George Smallitt, USN), Andy Ichiki (George Wong), Don Baker
(CIA Agent), Howard Gottschalk (Colonel Cole), Mitch Mitchell (Parker),
Ted Scott (Sims), C. K. Huang (Mr. Wo Sun Wong), Clement Low (Assassin II [Ho
Sing]), Joe Moore (MP Captain), Walter Yoshimitsu (Officer Jerry Browning).
Here is an affecting glimpse into Chin Ho
Kelly's personal life, giving Kam Fong a chance to do more than Five-O
legwork. Chin has to bear the triple grief of the deaths of his cousin and
his uncle, and of another cousin's treason. Kam Fong handles the assignment
admirably. C. K. Huang, as old Wong, delivers his lines with the stately
grace one would expect from so venerable a gentleman as the uncle of Chin
Ho Kelly.
This is a high body count episode, with several
more strewn about during the hour. It emphasizes Wo Fat's ruthlessness and
gives credence to his telling McGarrett at the end that, given the chance,
he'd kill him, too. Wo Fat anticipates McGarrett's moves. What he doesn't
anticipate is McGarrett's ability to zero in on the human factor in playing
on Tom Wong's family feeling. Nor does the Chinese spy account for Che
Fong's painstaking science. However, he accepts his misjudgement
philosophically.
This episode's finale is one of the finest in
the series. McGarrett has Wo Fat cold, a moment he relishes. But hubris has
its price, and Jonathan Kaye makes McGarrett pay it by letting Wo Fat go
free. Wo Fat's smugness as he takes his leave only adds fuel to the already
incendiary McGarrett temper. The boss gives vent to his rage, leaving a fine
freeze frame at the closing.
The script gives us a significant research
boo-boo when Dan Williams tells McGarrett that Wo Sun Wong's blood type
is "AO." In the ABO blood grouping, the most commonly known one and the
one referred to in every cop show where blood is analyzed, there are four
types: A, B, AB, and O. "AO" does not exist.
Joe Moore (as the MP Captain) was a local
television news anchor. He also did stage and film work, including
co-producing and acting in Goodbye, Paradise. In 1994, in the
Honolulu magazine poll, he was voted the number one favorite local
media personality of the previous 25 years.
A Study In Rage (#163)
Original Air Date: 2/11/75; production no. 0518;
written by Martin Roth; directed by Allen Reisner; music by Don B. Ray.
Guest Stars: Richard Hatch (Mike Opana [Anapo]),
Josie Over (Connie Honaka), Alan Naluai (Charlie Moka), Bob Sevey (Himself)
John Stalker (Dr. Arthur Spear), Electra Gailas Fair (Ethel Spear), Mel
Chow (Dr. William Chow), James Ishida (Salesman), Gretchen Corbett (Glynis
Martin).
Here's a straightforward linear plot with no
surprises, but with serious problems. Schmaltz hangs heavily over the hour,
underscored by sappy music. There are things about the killer, Mike, which
are not adequately explained. The palindrome of his surname seems to have
been put in the story solely to let McGarrett see the name in the mirror
and make the connection. The link between Mike's relationship to the
Hawaiian girl, Connie Honaka, and his obsession for the haole Glynis
Martin is glossed over. Apparently he is suffering from a feeling of
rejection by both haole and Hawaiian society; he doesn't fit in
either world.
The only highlight of this episode is the
performace of Alan Naluai as Charlie Moka, Mike's roommate. His Hawaiian
patois and attitude are a delight, but there is a sad undertone to his words,
reflecting the despair of a victim of racism.
At least in this episode we find out who bought
Dominik Vashon's Diamond Head house. That's the stock footage used to show
us the exterior of the late Dr. Spear's home.
Retire In Sunny Hawaii -- Forever (#177)
Original Air Date: 11/7/75; production no. 0555;
written by Jerome Coopersmith; directed by Bruce Bilson; music by Morton
Stevens.
Guest Stars: Helen Hayes (Clara Williams), Ian
Wolfe (Mr. Edgar P. Miller), Charles Durning (J. Haven), Lynne Ellen
Hollinger (Ellen Sutherland), Charles Peck (Fake Mr. Miller), Michal Morgan
(1st Mystery Man [Paul]), Palani Vaughn (2nd Mystery Man), Varoa Tiki (Police
Sergeant/"Nurse"), Richard Villard (Hotel Manager), Frank Cooper (Bank
Executive [Frank Cooper]), Ann Ramos (Secretary), Peggy Oumansky (Mrs.
Crenshaw), Jack Morris (1st Old Man [Harold]), Thomas Buell (2nd Old Man),
Luella Costello (Ticket Clerk).
In one of the most delightful episodes of the
series, Helen Hayes plays Dan Williams' eccentric Aunt Clara. Danny and
Steve don't listen to Aunt Clara, treating her as a dotty old lady when she
reports her concerns about Mr. Miller, her friend from an airplane trip. Not
until Miller's body is found do the Five-O men take her seriously. Aunt
Clara is resourceful and competent, and there is also a female police
sergeant who performs, with calm diligence, her duties at the end of the
episode, rounding up two armed henchment sent to get Aunt Clara.
Helen Hayes received an Emmy nomination for
"Outstanding Lead Actress for a Single Appearance in a Drama or Comedy
Series" for this episode. It's no wonder, with such a delightful performance.
She and James MacArthur (her son) are relaxed and natural together, creating
solid believability for their characters.
Continuity lapse: When Dan and Chin go to the
state Unclaimed Property office to question Ellen Sutherland, Dan gets out
of the car and goes into the building wearing a tan suit. By the time he
and Chin get up to Sutherland's office, however, Dan's suit has changed to
black!
Yes, My Deadly Daughter (#201)
Original Air Date: 12/16/76; production no. 0613;
teleplay by Tim Maschler; story by James Menzies; directed by Bruce Bilson;
music by Don B. Ray.
Guest Stars: Kwan Hi Lim (Chang Liu), Clyde
Kusatsu (Jerry Quan), Irene Ya-Ling Sun (Lee Mei Liu), Paul Hecht (Varna),
Remi Abellira (Bobby Kalani), Len Ross (Lou Benson), Ronald Black (Keoki),
Reggie Ho (Tony), Soo Yong (Servant), Carl Botefuhr (Ray Vincent).
Kwan Hi Lim, a local actor who played many minor
roles in the series, is given a much-deserved starring role in this episode.
He is especially effective at the end as he sadly confronts his
treacherous daughter. The theme of child out to zing daddy is not new to
Hawaii Five-O. The series' most elaborate presentation of this theme
was the first installment of the "Vashon" trilogy (#105). But this tale is
different enough for it to work, especially in Irene Ya-Ling Sun's
performance as a heartless little wench out to ingratiate herself with her
criminal father.
Dan Williams handles the field investigation,
working a neat head game on a gang member. Chin and Duke get their exercise
chasing down gang members for questioning. This episode depends on teamwork
and gives us a better use of helicopter tactics by McGarrett than we saw
the week before in "Double Exposure."
One engaging aspect of Hawaii Five-O was
its use of local people. Not only do we see familiar faces throughout the
12-year run, we also get to see one youngster grow up. Remi Abillera first
played Poto, the wisecracking street kid who watches over McGarrett's car
in "Blind Tiger" (#38), and played several other
roles. Here he has grown to young manhood as Bobby Kalani, the hunter who
finds the bodies of Chang Liu's men.
Deadly Doubles (#222)
Original Air Date: 11/17/77; production no. 0705;
written by Robert Janes; directed by Marc Daniels; music by Morton Stevens.
Guest Stars: Kurt Russell (Peter Valchek),
Carole Tru Foster (Katrina Bukowski), Tim Matheson (Brent Saunders),
Stefan Gierasch (Sergi Borzov), Kerry Sherman (Wendy), Danny Kamekona (Lab
Man [Wong]), Les Keiter (Tennis Announcer), Charles Hallahan (Larry Kent),
Marrian Walters (Marta Schmidt), George Oshiro (Mr. Funai), Mike Steele (TV
Announcer [George]), Earl Boen (Denisovich).
The defection of a female East Bloc tennis star
would have been too thin a plot to carry this story, but the complications
of smuggling, murder, intrigue, and cross-cultural love -- and how the
individuals involved in each relate to each other -- give it a little more
body.
Borzov, the meddlesome consul, is stereotyped
but not terribly so. Tim Matheson does a good job as Brent Saunders. The
showdown at the consulate creates tension as Katrina is forced to decide
what to do and McGarrett pulls a fast one on diplomat Borzov. This still
boils down to a standard episode. No neat plot twists, no offbeat or exciting
characters, and no flourishes of Five-O teamwork.
A Very Personal Matter (#257)
Original Air Date: 3/15/79; production no. 0811;
written by Robert Janes; directed by Harry F. Hogan III; music by John
Cacavas.
Guest Stars: Fritz Weaver (Dr. Danworth), Simone
Griffeth (Gerry Colby), Alan Austin (Kona Emery), Cameron Mitchell (Tom
Riordan), George Groves (Walter Napali), Connie Sawyer (Dr. Whitewood),
Krash Kealoha (Dr. Lee), Don Pomes (Dr. Savin), Tom Fujiwara (Judge
[Coroner]).
Unwise prescribing of dangerous but legal
medications is a problem which pits McGarrett against Dr. Danworth, whom he
pursues in a personal quest at the urging of an old friend whose son died
of an overdose. Dan Williams reminds Steve that Danworth has been cleared
by an inquest. "But not by me," Steve replies. Such vigilantism seems against
character for McGarrett. However, he's taken cases personally before;
certainly he had difficulty controlling himself in "Man in a Steel Frame"
(#204).
Danny tries to bring Steve up short by pointing
out that Danworth isn't behaving like a guilty man. Keeping Steve on track,
or trying to, is a role Dan Williams fills well throughout the series.
Though Steve does seem to have overstepped the bounds, he is feeling pressure
from an old friend whose plea for help he cannot ignore. For his part,
Steve's friend Riordan takes his own desperate action in a fine confrontation
scene. Dr. Danworth makes him face an ugly truth: his son was on drugs
because of the emotional estrangement between them.
The complexity of the plot and the fact that
McGarrett is wrong and must make amends to the doctor drives the tale. It
gives McGarrett a touch of humanity in a personal flaw that becomes an asset
for the plot. Five-O goes back to its earlier look of mean streets and
common people strugglig with contemporary problems such as family
estrangement, drugs, and a health-care system which isn't always user
friendly. In this latter element, Hawaii Five-O shows again that it
was ahead of its time, for it wasn't until the early 1990s that health-care
reform became a hot issue. With strong performances by Fritz Weaver and
Cameron Mitchell, this episode challenges and pleasantly surprises us.
The Golden Noose (#273)
Original Air Date: 1/15/80; production no. 0922;
written by George F. Slavin; directed by Beau van den Ecker; music by Les
Hooper.
Guest Stars: Ed Lauter (Jonas Halloran), Irene
Yah-Ling Sun (Nadira), Ed Fernandez (P. Sandifer), Bill Bigelow (Wriggins),
Joe Moore (James Weaver), Colin de Silva (Premier Lon Tho), Kimo Hugho
(Le Doc), Harold Iseke (City Engineer), James Hutchison (Harry Polifax
[The Undertaker]), John A. Hunt (Dutchman [Jan Schuyler]), Jim Doney (Tom
Chambers), Harry Chang (Manners), Bob Turnbull (Parsons), John Stalker (B.
A. Barney).
This episode is laden with stupid moves:
The crooks' method for removing gold from a bank vault is clever, even though on the techo-gee-whiz side. With a proper framing story, this could have been a good episode.
- McGarrett endangers a dead geologist's Asian girlfriend by giving vital information about her to a man he suspects of her boyfriend's murder. He doesn't have her taken into protective custody.
- The girlfriend follows the same dangerous man into his hotel room, where she hides behind a screen with her feet clearly visible.
- The villain lets her go, even though he is sure she has information dangerous to him.
- A burly bodyguard clumsily falls to his death in front of a truck in a manner that is unbelivable.
- In a fairy-tale ending, the premier of the girlfriend's Southeast Asian homeland offers her an "important post" with his government, although she has no qualifications.